Faith and Psalm 100

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him, and bless His name, For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and HIs truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5. NKJV.

Years ago, in elementary school, my parents sent us to a Methodist church Sunday school class. I don’t remember our teacher’s name, but she encouraged our class to memorize scripture. It was a great beginning and a wonderful gift to those of us in her class. Psalm 100 was one scripture we learned. I am amazed at how often the Holy Spirit brings these truths, learned so long ago, to my mind.

The whole psalm is encouraging. Focusing on this verse reminds me to check myself when I am struggling to “sense” or “feel” His presence. Am I seeking Him for His answers or am I seeking Him? Often people use the phrase, “am I looking for His hands or His heart? This is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. A day set aside to express our gratitude for the blessings we have received. Gathering with family and friends around a special meal, reflecting on the goodness of life, is a good thing when we begin with thankfulness.

Driving to my daughter’s house this year, I determined to take the time to shift my thinking and enter into His gates with thanksgiving. I admit my mind has been filled with concerns and struggles, not for myself but for some members of my family. Last night as I was getting ready to sleep, I shifted my “intercessory prayer” mode to one of gratefulness. As I thanked the Lord for each of my grandchildren, I chose not to focus on what I think He needs to do to “change” them. Instead, I simply released my faith that He is working in them for good. The more I thanked God for each of them, the easier it was for me to trust His work in their lives. They are all great people, not perfect, but amazing human beings. So as we gather today with seven out of the eleven of them, I am choosing to simply be thankful and grateful. If there are areas of heaviness and concerns for the people in your life, take a break from “wishing things were different” and just begin to thank Him for His work in them. Release your faith. What if those very struggles are what He is using to change you? Your thoughts, attitudes or to simply teach you about acceptance?

The gate of our hearts is in our hands. We control who we let in, when we let them in and what manner of reception they will receive. Don’t let bitterness, resentment or unfulfilled expectations ruin your day. If you need to forgive people for being who they are, then forgive. Today, just be grateful for those around you. Share words of encouragement and appreciation. Look for what is right rather than what is wrong. That is what faith does! Remember Galatians 5:6; faith works by love. The two go together. This year I am sharing my sons family with his in-laws. I pray they are having a wonderful time together. I know we will miss them, but I choose to focus on who is there, not on who isn’t. Entering in His gates with thanksgiving, helps me open my gates to those around me, and for that I am so grateful.

Father, please teach us how to enter into Your gates each day with thanksgiving. There is so much more to understand about the power of gratitude and developing a thankful heart. Thank you for continuing to help your children learn and grow. Forgive us when we fall so short. In Jesus’ Name, amen.